El Portal Restaurant

Name: El Portal Restaurant
Address: 695 E Green St, Pasadena, California, 91101, US
Telephone: (626) 795-8553
Price range: $$
Rating: 4

$$ • Mexican, Pet Friendly, Vegan

Hours:
695 E Green St, Pasadena
(626) 795-8553

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About El Portal Restaurant

El Portal Restaurant is a cozy Mexican / Yucatán spot with a charming atmosphere and live mariachi music. The Yucatán trio and mole enchiladas are must-try dishes, though some find the albondigas a bit lacking. They offer traditional recipes, daily chef specials, and both indoor and patio seating, with outdoor dining providing a lovely setting. The vegetarian tostada is fresh and flavorful, but some customers found it uninteresting and not worth the price. The beef fajita is tender, and the soft tacos of carne asada are praised for their corn tortillas, though the pork filling can have a spongy texture and be too salty. The chicken avocado salad is often appreciated as a great dish. The restaurant has a parking lot in front, making access easy. Service is generally good, though some reviews mention delays in getting the check or slow waiter response. Prices can be a bit high, especially for drinks like a draft IPA or house margarita. Despite occasional issues, El Portal receives praise for its food quality, live music, and unique building, making it a popular choice for authentic Mexican cuisine.